Ch.Lynch Bages 2001 750ml

Winespectator.com, Web Only - 2018
Delightful cedar, bay leaf and savory notes lead off while the core of currant and blackberry fruit has moved into a secondary phase. The bay leaf and cedar elements hold a slight upper hand through the finish, giving this a pleasantly rustic hint.

Since 1973 Château Lynch Bages, a 5ème Cru Classé, has been owned by the enigmatic Jean-Michel Cazes and is now run by his son, Jean-Charles.
Lynch Bages's vineyards are superbly sited on a plateau west of Pauillac town, in the small village of Bages. The 90 hectares of vineyards (Red: Cabernet Sauvignon 75%, Merlot 15%, Cabernet Franc 10%) lie on deep gravel beds over limestone. For the reds, fermentation is temperature-controlled with extensive 'remontage' to ensure concentration and depth of colour. A special system of pipes transfers the wine from the cuves to the oak barriques (60% new) where it matures for 15 months.Lynch Bages can be surprisingly soft and approachable when young. However, when fully mature, it develops a succulent richness and a heavenly bouquet of minty blackcurrants and cigar boxes.
Oz Clarke says "Lynch Bages is impressive at five years, beautiful at ten years and irresistible at twenty."

Meats, Beef and Venison